Page 42 of Penalty Zone

“But Mason will always come first—as he should,” I say to the ceiling.

“You make me feel alive, but I can’t be selfish. This is the time in your life to focus on your team and your career, not get caught up in a scandal that takes away from your accomplishments.”

I nod in agreement because that’s what he wants. He would be worth it, but I won’t convince him.

It doesn’t matter. Mason wouldn’t approve, and I can’t hurt my best friend. I sit up, unable to stop his words from playing on a loop in my head.I make him feel alive.

I’m a masochist.

Fun times.

Leo crosses the room, stopping a foot away, and I brace myself for the end.

“Whoever you choose to make a life with will be the luckiest person. I envy them.” He strokes my cheek, and I have to shut my eyes because I might do something unforgivable like cry. “Get some sleep,” he whispers, and I wish he’d stay with me.

His hand falls away, and the door shuts behind him.

There’s no way I’ll sleep tonight or possibly ever again.

This night should be wiped from my memory so I don’t obsess over it and try to think of the right thing to say… I can’t expect us to have some sort of relationship.

Which is why him saying he will envy my future partner is bonkers. Like he had a lobotomy level of insanity.

I touch my cheek to hold the warmth of where his hand was. I’ll enjoy it as a birthday gift that expires as if it never existed.

Chapter 19

Leo

Every day I wake up and promise myself I’m going to return Caleb’s bloodstone. I put it in my pocket, and it stays nestled there until I place it on my dresser at night. Giving it back will be the final step to cut the cord between us. It’s necessary, yet I can’t do it.

I rub my pocket to confirm it’s there as I enter Montreal’s business office building. I have a couple of days before I’ll see Caleb again, and by then I should have the courage to do it. The time away should clear my head and force me to realize how destructive my behavior has been.

I have a meeting with Montreal’s GM before I start my broadcast, and I check in with the front desk manager before riding the elevator up. I’m at peace with my decision, but change is hard, and it’s difficult to imagine my life next year. There could be nothing to do.

“He’ll be ready in a few minutes, Mr. Griffin. Have a seat,” his receptionist greets me.

Mason and I went out to dinner the other night, and our conversation wasn’t awkward. He stopped insisting that Caleb come with us. I know he did it to put a buffer between us since Caleb can carry on by himself. We needed him in the beginning, and it’s a relief to move past the silence.

I should not miss Caleb while I’m with my son. It cements my resolve to be better.

I text Mason to find out about his injury.

Me: Any word?

Mace: I can play a few shifts today!

Me: Congratulations! I wish I was there

Mace: Thankssmiley face emoji

Me: I’ll call you after the game

He hearts the message, and I pocket my phone. The new era of Leo Griffin begins today.

“Leo,” the GM booms and strides out to shake my hand. “Go on in and have a seat. I’ll be right back.” He’s halfway down the hall before I can respond.

His bland office could be that of any nondescript executive except for the display case of awards. My mind wanders to Ari’s office and the team logo embedded in the carpet. There is no mistaking Ari’s office for a random, high-level boss. In this office, I have to walk up to the display case to see the hockey awards. The furniture is expensive and screams: I’m important.

---